Jeremiah 51:46 - Don’t let your heart faint. Don’t fear for the news that will be heard in the land. For news will come one year, and after that in another year news will come, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler.

Generated Verse: Jeremiah 51:46

What does "Jeremiah 51:46" mean?


Jeremiah 51:46 is a warning to the exiled Israelites in Babylon. Let's break down the verse and explore its meaning:

"Don’t let your heart faint. Don’t fear for the news that will be heard in the land."
This is an exhortation to courage. The Israelites were likely already weary and discouraged from their captivity. They're being told not to give up hope or be paralyzed by fear when they hear unsettling news.
The news mentioned here refers to the unfolding political and military events surrounding Babylon's impending downfall.

"For news will come one year, and after that in another year news will come..."
This indicates a series of escalating crises and announcements that will build up to the final collapse of Babylon. The news isn't a single, sudden event, but a process.
The repetition of "news will come" emphasizes the inevitability of these events.

"...and violence in the land, ruler against ruler."
This describes the internal chaos and political instability that will grip Babylon. The violence ("violence in the land") and infighting ("ruler against ruler") signal the disintegration of the Babylonian empire from within.
This internal conflict is a key factor in their ultimate defeat.

In essence, the verse is a prophecy about:

The fall of Babylon: It warns the Israelites not to lose heart as they hear news of Babylon's decline.
A process of disintegration: The downfall will not be a single event, but a series of escalating crises.
Internal strife: The prophecy foretells of internal violence and political chaos, weakening Babylon from within.
A call to hope: Even amidst unsettling news, the Israelites should not despair, as these events ultimately mean their liberation is nearing.

Context matters:

This verse appears in a larger section of Jeremiah (chapters 50-51) dedicated to prophesying the destruction of Babylon, a major oppressor of Israel. The verses are intended to offer hope to the exiled Israelites by assuring them that God will punish Babylon and eventually bring them back to their homeland.

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